Money Mule Schemes

A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of criminals. This scam is different from the others on this site: instead of just taking your money, criminals recruit you to launder the proceeds of fraud. Even unwitting mules can face frozen bank accounts, liability for the funds, and federal criminal charges.

How People Become Mules:

• Fake Jobs: "Payment processor," "finance coordinator," or "money transfer agent" roles that consist of receiving funds into your account, keeping a percentage, and forwarding the rest. See Job & Employment Scams.
• Romance Manipulation: An online partner asks you to receive money or packages "because my bank doesn't work in the U.S." This is a common second act of relationship scams.
• Reshipping: Receiving merchandise bought with stolen cards and shipping it overseas.
• Account Rental: Being paid to open bank or crypto accounts, or to hand over access to your own.

Key Red Flags:

• Anyone who asks to use your bank account to move money, for any reason.
• A "job" whose main duty is receiving and forwarding money or packages, especially if you keep a cut.
• Instructions to convert funds to cryptocurrency or gift cards and send them onward.
• Pressure to act fast, keep the arrangement quiet, or open new accounts at multiple banks.
• An employer or partner you've never met in person directing your financial activity.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never move money for someone else through your personal accounts. A legitimate business has its own banking.
• Don't open accounts or register businesses in your name at someone else's direction.
• If you're already involved, stop immediately: Cease transfers, keep records, notify your bank, and report it. Acting quickly and voluntarily matters.
• Warn students, job seekers, and older relatives: These are the groups mule recruiters target hardest.